Resolution in Opposition to Privatization of the NJ Turnpike Authority and in Support of Turnpike Workers

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority seeks to privatize toll workers jobs, just to take away the pensions, health benefits and job protections of the unionized workers, and

WHEREAS, New Jersey has one of the highest unemployment rates in the region at 8.4% and our poverty rate is at an all-time high. New Jersey workers and their families need decent middle-class jobs, and

WHEREAS, firing more workers at a time when unemployment is already extremely high and decent jobs are hard to find will only put more of a burden on the public, increasing the need for social services and public assistance, and result in more home foreclosures, and

WHEREAS, New Jersey Turnpike Toll Collectors have already taken a $16,000 pay cut reducing their income by 30%, and made many other concessions to save their jobs, and

WHEREAS, newly hired New Jersey Turnpike Toll Collectors make less than $35,000 a year, and privatization will reduce the workers’ wages to poverty levels, and

WHEREAS, privatization has been a failure in the State of New Jersey such as halfway houses, Treasury, the Lottery, prisons, and

WHEREAS, there is limited oversight and a lack of accountability to the public because private companies do not fall under the Open Public Records Act and there is no state agency that monitors privatization contracts, and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority has saved more than $30 million dollars as a result of the pay cuts and concessions toll workers have already made, and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NJ State Industrial Union Council stands with the union workers at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and will take every action possible until you stop the privatization.

Super turnout at the fundraiser to Stop the Turnpike Privatization! Thanks to all who contributed and came out in support!